In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I’m diving into a topic I’ve been asked about a lot: How Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics apply outside the U.S. This is a Patreon-only episode, so head on over to https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy to listen to the full episode!
A bit of background: As my platform has grown and reached more global listeners, it’s become clear that our U.S.-centric framework doesn’t always translate, and that’s okay!
For this episode, I did a ton of research and crowd-sourced insights from my international community to bring you a more nuanced look at outdoor recreation ethics around the world. From Iceland’s invasive lupins to Scotland’s “right to roam” laws, I unpack how different regions manage access, protect ecosystems, and weave in cultural and spiritual values. Spoiler: Leave No Trace is more of a mindset than a strict rulebook.
I also talk about:
- Why staying on trail in the U.S. is different than in Alaska or Sweden
- The nuance behind those frolicking wildflower field photos
- How cultural and Indigenous practices may contradict and shouldn’t be policed by LNT principles
- What “digital Leave No Trace” means when you're sharing travel content online
- Why planning ahead and preparing is the single most universal outdoor ethic, no matter where you are
Whether you're planning an international hiking trip, wondering if it's okay to camp on private land in the UK, or just curious about how other cultures recreate outdoors, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for context, culture, and curiosity.
🔗 Full blog post with all the sources: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/global-outdoor-ethics-and-recreation-rules
🎧 If this episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, and check out my Patreon to support the show and join the Outdoorsy Discord community. We’ve got Cozy Camping Club meetups coming up, and you won’t want to miss them. Find that here: https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy.
Until next time, I hope you get outside in a way that makes sense to you, and remember: You belong out there.
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